Thank you for your interest in applying for a grant from the Jewish Women’s Foundation of South Palm Beach County.

Before you proceed with a Letter of Intent, please familiarize yourself with the following guidelines, which may impact your eligibility.

For questions or further clarification, please contact Lisbeth Rock Cauff, Director, Foundation Leadership Engagement at 561.852.3188 or at LisbethC@bocafed.org.

Mission Statement

The Jewish Women’s Foundation of South Palm Beach County, referred to as “JWF,” was created to empower women donors to be leaders, decision makers and agents for change.

By making grants to qualified organizations and agencies for specific programs and projects, JWF seeks to provide Jewish women and children, both locally and abroad, with improved opportunities and life choices.

General Considerations

We are interested in projects (for women’s programs) that recognize that Jewish women and children have unique needs because of both their gender and their religious and cultural heritage.

JWF is committed to improving the overall status of Jewish women and children, and funds projects that promote social change by addressing at least one of the indicators described below:

Attempting to shift the following areas:• Definitions and reframing of issues: An issue is defined differently in the community or larger society as a result of your work. • Individual and community behavior: People are behaving differently in the community or larger society as a result of your work. • Critical mass and engagement: People in the community or larger society are more engaged as a result of your work. • Institutions, systems and policies: An institutional, organizational, or legislative policy or practice has changed as a result of your work. • Maintaining earlier progress: As a result of your work, past gains have been maintained, generally in the face of opposition.

JWF considers your organization’s overall support of women and children, as well as the specific project or program for which you are seeking a grant. This includes the extent to which Jewish women are included among your leadership and in key staff positions.

Grant Categories (see full page for more details)

Economic Security/Legal Reform for Women and Children
Health and Abuse Prevention for Women and Children
Education/Leadership Development for Women and Children

Grant Criteria

• Grants programs should seek to elevate the development and empowerment and/or education of Jewish women and children.
• We are interested in programs that “train the trainers” and pilot projects that can be replicated on a larger scale.
• We are interested in programs and projects that serve to develop collaborative efforts between organizations.
• Projects must also address a genuine need and provide measurable results.
• The geographic areas we serve are South Palm Beach County, Florida, Israel and other underserved populations overseas.
• Organizations must have their own 501(c)3 tax status or with a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)3 public charity.
• JWF will not fund political campaigns, make loans, provide sponsorships, buy tickets/tables for special events or pay for ongoing or existing staff and volunteer costs.
• An organization may apply for funding for only one project per year, requesting a maximum grant amount of $20,000.
• Multi-year funding requests may be considered.
• Grant dollars must be used within the time frame for which they have been required, or they must be returned within the time frame. We appreciate that organizations have an open book policy with us to discuss issues on a case by case basis.

General Process

To apply for funding, please submit a grant application form including the following items:

• Copy of IRS 501(c)(3) letter or with a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)3 public charity (if you are not a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of SPBC).
• A list of your organization’s Board of Directors and mission statement.
• JWF program budget form and budget notes.
• Most recent audit.
• Organizational brochures, newsletters and other promotional materials (electronically in separate attachment).

Eligibility and Restrictions

• We fund only organizations with their own status as a 501(c)3 public charity or with a fiscal agent that is a 501(c)3 public charity.
• We prioritize initiatives in the South Palm Beach County area with regards to the Grant Screening process. However, we do consider proposals concerning Jewish women and children in Israel and around the world.
• We do not fund political campaigns or organizations such as PACS.
• We do not make loans, award scholarships/tuition reimbursements, nor do we provide sponsorships or buy tickets/tables for special events.

Special Eligibility Requirements for Israeli Grantees

• JWF evaluates unique Israeli programs and projects specifically designed to encourage and cultivate social change for Jewish women and children.
• We encourage projects that provide mentorship to serve others exponentially, that can be used as a model to be replicated in other parts of the country and around the world.